Mutuel Field Early Favorite in Derby Future Wagering

From Churchill DownsKentucky Derby fans across the nation made the mutuel field a strong favorite among 24 wagering interests on the opening day of Pool 1 of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

The mutuel field, which includes all 3-year-olds other than the 23 individual Kentucky Derby contenders on the list of wagering interests, was a 3-2 favorite after the first day of wagering on the four-day pool ended at 11:00 p.m. (EST) Thursday evening. Derby fans in 26 states wagered a total of $43,318 on the opening day of Pool 1 - including $14,186 wagered on the mutuel field.

The Thoroughbred Corp's Point Given, winner of the Hollywood Futurity and runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, was the second choice in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager at 5-1. A P Valentine, owned by the Celtic Pride Stable of basketball coach Rick Pitino, was a strong third choice at 7-1 after the colt had opened at odds of 12-1 in the Future Wager's morning line. Wagering on Pool 1 is scheduled to resume at noon (EST) on Friday.

Other notable Kentucky Derby Future Wager odds after the first day of Pool 1 include 19-1 on Street Cry, 20-1 on Global Gait, and 21-1 on Dollar Bill.

The Kentucky Derby Future Wager allows racing fans to place wagers on contenders for the Kentucky Derby weeks in advance at odds that may be more attractive than those they would receive on Derby Day. The Kentucky Derby Future Wager is a $2 minimum wager and is a win bet only.

The Future Wager's Pool 1 will close on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager is scheduled for March 8-11 and Pool 3 is set for April 5-8.